The country has been in a panic over the last few months over harmful e-cigarette and vaping products. As more and more people fell ill, and as dozens of patients died, federal regulatory agencies rushed to figure out what was causing people to harm after vaping. At Colson Hick Eidson, we want to discuss the latest findings as well as whether or note-cigarette the products are safe. Our nationally-recognized firm is taking cases across Florida and the United States of those who have been harmed due to e-cigarette or vaping products.
The epidemic that scared the nation
Until recently, medical professionals did not even have a name for the long illnesses that we’re sweeping across the country. Now, it is not uncommon to hear doctors discussing e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
EVALI cases peaked in September 2019. So far, there have been more than 2,500 people hospitalized with EVALI. As of this writing, 54 people have died due to lung illnesses associated with e-cigarettes and vaping.
As the prevalence of these cases increased, federal regulators, law enforcement agencies, and health officials began investigating what was causing the long illness is. They have now been able to confirm that the majority of those affected have one toxic ingredient in common in their e-cigarette and vaping products -Vitamin E Acetate.
This chemical was used in many cartridges that contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These products are unregulated because marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States (at the federal level).
However, federal regulators want the public to know that vitamin E acetate is not the only compound to blame and that the long term effects of e-cigarette usage are not yet known. They say that due to the wide variety of e-cigarette cartridges available, from brand name products sold on store shelves to aftermarket products tweaked by users at home, there is room for multiple chemicals to cause lung illnesses.
Currently, the FDA has regulatory authority over e-cigarette in vaping products. However, the only restriction they have passed on these products is that they may not be sold to anyone under the legal age to buy tobacco. The FDA has not inspected ingredients of any name brands and has not approved them for sale, though they may still be sold until the approval process takes place (this is scheduled to happen in 2020).
Our team is ready to help you through this
If you are somebody you care about has been injured after using an e-cigarette or vaping device, seek legal assistance today. The award-winning firm Colson Hicks Eidson is ready to investigate what happened in your case and secure the compensation you are entitled to. This could include:
- Coverage of medical expenses related to using the product
- Recovery of lost wages if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against the company or manufacturer
When you need an e-cigarette explosion attorney in Florida or throughout the United States, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
